My Current “Where I Want To Go Next” List in London
I’m forever adding to my list of bars and restaurants to try in London. I either frantically try to memorise names, end up with an unholy number of unorganised Instagram saves, or worse, a very messy, incorrectly spelt recommendations list buried deep in my Notes app.
But, in the spirit of figuring out where I’m heading this weekend, I thought I’d share my current Hot List — the top 5 spots in London I’m desperate to check out. Thank me later. Or don’t (I haven’t actually been yet). Either way, I cannot wait to try these…
Dumbo, Shoreditch
This one has been on my radar for ages and I have to go. Dumbo started life in Paris before making its way across the Channel to Shoreditch. Their thing? American-style smash burgers that caused a stir in France.
Now, hit or not, it’s a must-try for me. The stripped-back menu, the minimalist aesthetic, and the perfect-looking gherkin-topped burgers are already calling my name. And let’s be real — if you know, you know. A smash burger done right is basically life-changing.
Dalla, Hackney
Italian food is a tricky one for me. There are countless restaurants, but it’s the true-to-culture neighbourhood spots in London is always what I’m searching for.
As a chef-turned-writer, I like to think I know my way around Italian cooking (though not quite as well as my Italian ex-boyfriend). What I want is the real deal: proper primi and secondi, dishes that go beyond the safe zone of pasta and pizza, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a corner of The Amalfi Coast.
If Charli XCX chose Dalla for her wedding reception, I think that’s a pretty solid endorsement to try the restaurant out for myself.
The Dreamery, Islington
Summer might be on its way out, but The Dreamery looks like the kind of bar that will keep that holiday feeling alive, even if it’s raining. Think: dreamy celestial vibes, mirrors bouncing light everywhere, and the feeling of stepping inside a human-sized kaleidoscope (from what I can see, anyway).
The concept is simple — wine and ice cream. Honestly, do you need more of a reason? I’m already picturing a dinner nearby, followed by a nightcap here with something sweet to round it off.
Lucia’s, Hackney Wick
A hole-in-the-wall taco joint with mezcal OR tequila? Say less.
Honestly, I don’t even need much convincing beyond the words tostadas and palomas. Add in the fact that Lucia’s is walking distance from some of the best breweries along the Hackney Wick canal, and I’m already planning my perfect East London Saturday. Tacos, tequila, then a brewery crawl. Or maybe the other way round? Done.
José, Bermondsey
Spotting a theme here? Yes, I’m leaning heavily into al fresco, European flavours this month — and José is no exception.
It’s been on my must-visit list forever: authentic Spanish tapas, counter dining (romantic in the best way), and of course, José Pizarro himself at the helm. Tapas done properly is one of life’s great joys, and this spot looks like it nails it. Add in a stellar wine list and a Bermondsey location that’s easy to get to, and it’s a no-brainer.
So there you have it - my Hot List for the month. I’ll be keeping myself very busy working through these, and I can’t wait to share my verdicts with you.
Have you been to any of these? If so, tell me everything — DM me on Instagram @eatwith_jocelyn.
Review by food editor of the Everyday Magazine, Amelia Ling
Photo credit: Jikoni Instagram
